Our Past Work

Lobbied for the Equal Benefits Ordinance - Creating a Contracting Requirement The law requires, whenever possible, that the City contract for public works, consultant services, or purchasing goods and services with businesses that do not discriminate in the provision of benefits between employees with spouses and employees with domestic partners.

Created a New Protected Class, Gender Identity Seattle amended the non-discrimination ordinance to create a new protected class, gender identity. This change was made to make the language more accurate, more inclusive and more easily administered. Seattle's discrimination ordinances provide protection in housing, employment, public accommodations and contracting.

Added a Private Right of Action to City's Employment Discrimination Ordinance This new provision allows a GLBT person to file an employment discrimination case in court based on sexual orientation or gender identity. State non-discrimination laws do not cover sexual minorities.

Led the effort for successful passage of the City's Domestic Partner Registration

Obtained $60,000 a year in 2001 and 2002 for The Rainbow Train Project Rainbow Train provides professional sensitivity training to health and social service providers of all levels about the needs of elderly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients.

Obtained $25,000 a year in 2001 and 2002 for Sappho Health Services Sappho provides sensitive and appropriate health care to the city's sexual minority women's community.

Other Funding Obtained

$170,000 for support of Hepatitis A/B Education and Outreach Campaign (1999/2000)

$10,000 for support for programs and projects related to same-sex domestic violence including:

Collaborated with a community group to develop, produce, and distribute a bias crime wallet card (3000 distributed) and poster. Funding for these activities was provided by the Seattle Police Department and a grant from the City's Department of Neighborhoods.